Milan to the rescue for Beckham: Italy loan move could save England career

Source: Daily Mail

AC Milan have confirmed they are trying to sign David Beckham on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy. The former England captain is determined to keep his place in the national team and a short spell on loan in Europe could be beneficial.

Manager Fabio Capello has warned Beckham he will be dropped from England's squad for the international friendly against Spain in February if he is not playing competitive football. Beckham is under contract with the LA Galaxy but their regular season finishes after Sunday's clash with Dallas.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani had indicated at the weekend that Beckham would be invited to train with the club during the coming months, however it now seems he could sign a six-month deal in January.

Galliani said: 'We are speaking with his agent but we believe he will arrive for some months on a free loan. Beckham has chosen Milan. Our squad is ultra-competitive ...'

Wellington Phoenix 1 v 4 LA Galaxy

David Beckham scores from the penalty spot as the L A Galaxy easily overcome the Wellington Phoenix 4 v 1 in front of a 30,000+ crowd in Wellington, New Zealand.

Becks also had a hand in the other three goals for the L A Phoenix as they come back from a 1 v 0 deficit with two goals either side of half time. David Beckham rounded off the scoring with a well taken penalty ....

Deafening screams from young fans greet Beckham

There may be some very quiet households around Wellington tonight as the 15,000 children who screamed their lungs out watching David Beckham train will surely be hoarse.

The soccer superstar is in the capital with his LA Galaxy team for a match against Wellington Phoenix tomorrow night.

At an open training session at Westpac Stadium today 15,000 schoolchildren -- and more than a few mothers -- from schools around the region turned up to show their love for Beckham, the team's star midfielder.

The youngsters were in fine voice, with deafening screams erupting around the ground when Beckham took the field and continuing at a similar pitch throughout the two-hour training session.

Light rain early on failed to dampen the crowd's enthusiasm, and by the end of the session the sun had broken through. (Yahoo Xtra)

Beckham fever hits Wellington, NZ

Becks-mania officially hit Wellington today as soccer superstar and all-round mega-celebrity David Beckham jetted into the capital to the delight of hordes of waiting fans, many female.

Fresh from dazzling fans across the ditch, the 32-year-old and his LA Galaxy team arrived in Wellington from Sydney at lunchtime, ahead of Saturday night's match against Wellington Phoenix.

They received a rousing welcome from thousands of fans, and Beckham didn't disappoint -- flashing his trademark smile and stopping to sign autographs and pose with fans, young and old.

Dressed in a Galaxy team tracksuit and bright white trainers Beckham looked every bit the megastar, complete with tan, tattoos and chiselled jaw. (Yahoo Xtra)

Beckham set to play in Wellington, NZ

Football superstar David Beckham and his club LA Galaxy are set to play the Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium on December 2. Beckham is likely to be accompanied by his pop star wife Victoria, who is keen to visit New Zealand, although it is not known whether they will bring their children, the New Zealand Herald reported. (Yahoo Xtra News)

Becks Risks Injury With Transatlantic Test

David Beckham's desire to keep his place in the England team could be putting the rest of his season at risk, a sports expert has warned. The midfielder is expected to play for England against Germany at Wembley on Wednesday night, before flying 5,400 miles back to Los Angeles and playing for club side LA Galaxy that night.Beckham has insisted that his body can take the punishing schedule despite only just coming back from a nagging ankle injury. He says his performances for club and country will not be affected.

But chartered physiotherapist and lecturer in physiotherapy at King's College, London, Duncan Critchley is not so sure. He believes the former England skipper could be pushing himself too hard too soon after coming back from injury. And he thinks Beckham should have pulled out of the national squad and stayed in LA to work hard on getting back to full fitness. (Sky News)

Beckham Shines as the Galaxy lose 5 v 4

David Beckham delivered exactly what over 65,000 fans came to see - but he was still upstaged as LA Galaxy suffered a 5-4 defeat to the New York Red Bulls.Teenager Jozy Altidore, at only 17, stole much of the show as the Red Bulls scored a dramatic late winner to beat Galaxy. Beckham had two assists inside the first 10 minutes, setting up Carlos Pavon both times as the Galaxy cancelled out Juan Pablo Angel's early goal to take the lead. But Altidore then helped set up Clint Mathis before scoring twice himself to put New York in the clear, although Landon Donovan responded.

The game appeared headed for a draw until Mathis struck a long-range shot which Joe Cannon could only parry, and Angel popped up to finish from a tight angle.

Pleasingly for his paymasters, the opening stages had belonged to Beckham.

All too aware of the threat posed by the former England captain, Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena had spoken about the need to limit the Galaxy's set-piece opportunities going into the game. His players did not listen.

Two Beckham set-pieces led to two Galaxy goals in the space of five minutes. The first came in the sixth minute when Beckham whipped in a corner directly on to the head of Pavon, who placed it in the far corner. They linked up again two minutes later, Beckham's deep free-kick looping over a crowd of players to find Pavon all alone at the far post. Ronald Waterreus got a hand to the ball but could not stop it. (Sunday Express)

'First And Foremost It's About Soccer'

Sky News Headline; says: 'David Beckham has said the celebrity attention he brings to the US football league can only be a good thing for the game. The 32-year-old midfielder said it was a "bonus" that he added "a bit of glamour and glitz" to Major League Soccer with his move to LA Galaxy this summer. The former England captain scored his first goal for the Galaxy to help secure their place in the SuperLiga final as he started his first game on Wednesday since moving to the US.

Speaking ahead of Galaxy's match against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium tonight, Beckham said it was important to keep attracting the sell-out crowds which have been a feature of his first few games.He told a packed press conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Manhattan: "Of course, everybody knows it's not just about the soccer with me. But first and foremost it is about the soccer.

Beckham Guides Galaxy Into Final

David Beckham enjoyed a dream first start for the Los Angeles Galaxy with a trademark free-kick goal and an assist to send his new team on the way to the inaugural SuperLiga final with a victory over DC United at the Home Depot Center on Wednesday. Beckham was a surprise starter given the ankle problems that had restricted him to just two brief substitute's appearances in his first month in America.

He played 63 minutes against DC United, scoring one goal and making another before being subbed midway through the second half and immediately having his troublesome left ankle wrapped in ice as he watched the rest of the game from the Galaxy bench.

Beckham was also handed the captaincy at Landon Donovan's expense by Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop and rose to the occasion with a bending 28th minute free-kick that left DC United keeper Troy Perkins helpless as it crashed into the net.

Beckham, who had been booked in the first half for a reckless tackle on DC captain Jaime Moreno, followed his goal with a perfect pass out of midfield two minutes after the restart which Donovan took to the edge of the area before slotting home to double the Galaxy lead as the LA side secured a August 29 final against Mexican champions CF Pachuca. (Daily Express)

Beckham to play in NZ

Yahoo/Xtra web page; says: Beckham may play in New Zealand
NZPA Moves are reportedly underway to have English soccer star David Beckham play in New Zealand. The Dominon-Post newspaper reported that new A-League franchise Wellington Phoenix are thought to be in the final stages of negotiations with Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy club for a match in Wellington in late November. The game in Wellington would piggyback on the Galaxy's match against Sydney FC in Sydney on November 27. The Phoenix have refused to comment, but the newspaper understood they and Sydney FC would each have to play about $A1 million ($NZ1.15 million) for the Beckham show. Whether the Wellington match goes ahead is expected to be announced at a press conference in the capital early next week. Beckham signed a five-year, $US250 million ($NZ348 million) deal this year that took him from Spain's Real Madrid to the Galaxy, who are now cashing in on their investment through exhibition matches around the globe. He has struggled with an injured ankle since joining Galaxy. Copyright: NZPA 2007

I know of one little boy who will be wanting to go to this game!

Beckham Sits Out Galaxy Draw

David Beckham was again a spectator as the Los Angeles Galaxy resumed their Major League Soccer campaign with a goalless draw against Toronto FC at BMO Field. Beckham had all but ruled himself out of a place in the Galaxy squad 24 hours earlier as he had failed to recover from an ankle injury sustained in June playing for England and aggravated in Real Madrid's push for La Liga title. To the disappiointment of a 20,522 record crowd in Toronto, his prediction proved correct and although he took a seat on the Galaxy bench before kick-off he was dressed in a suit and tie. Galaxy came into the game following a thrilling 6-5 Super Liga victory over FC Dallas on Tuesday but it was Toronto, missing eight first-choice players through injury, who had much the better of the match. (Daily Express)

Beckham Unlikely To Make Toronto Game

Sunday Express Headline; says: 'Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has all but ruled himself out of his planned Major League Soccer debut in Toronto on Sunday night. The England midfielder has admitted he had still not fully recovered from an ankle injury that has limited his playing time to a 78th-minute substitute's appearance in a friendly against Chelsea two weeks ago.

"Unless there's a drastic change I won't be playing," Beckham told reporters. "Today was the first time that I ran. Running straight forward is not a problem but turning corners is still a problem and I don't think I'll be involved in the game."

Beckham, 32, even threw into doubt his participation in the Galaxy's next game, this Thursday against DC United in Washington DC.

"It would be nice to play some part of the game in Washington but I'll just have to keep my fingers' crossed. A week to 10 days is what I'm looking at."

Beckham Faces Fitness Battle

David Beckham faces a fitness test on Monday to determine whether the England midfielder flies with the Los Angeles Galaxy squad to Texas for their must-win SuperLiga clash with FC Dallas on Tuesday night.

Beckham has not played or even trained with his new team-mates since his brief debut for the Major League Soccer club against Chelsea nine days ago and has continued to struggle to overcome an injury to his left ankle first sustained on England duty against Estonia at the start of June.

Galaxy leave for California on Monday for Dallas, where they must win their final group game in the eight-team tournament if they are to progress to the knockout stage of the competition between MLS and Mexican clubs. With a return to the league campaign next Sunday in Toronto, however, Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop will not risk a seven-hour round trip to Texas if Beckham cannot prove his fitness and a decision will be made after training at the Home Depot Center.

The England star watched from the dugout on Saturday night as the Galaxy were beaten 2-1 by Chivas Guadalajara in front of 37,337 mostly Mexican fans at the Los Angeles Coliseum in a performance team captain Landon Donovan described as "awful." (Daily Express)

The Beverly Hill Beckhams: Posh and David settle into LA life with a shopping spree

It's only been a fortnight since their glitzy arrival at LAX airport - but already the Beckhams seem to have settled into their new life in LA. And what better way to get acquainted with your new hometown, than to drop a few thousand dollars in a shopping spree. In what turned into a rather exhausting day out, the Beckhams, along with son Romeo, started off at pricey jewellers Gearys before moving on to Maxfield boutique, a favourite with celebrities such as the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley. They finished their trip at department store Barneys . (Daily Mail)

Well David, you look out of place there mate ...

... its certainly a far cry from those halcyon days a decade ago when we used to watch you arrive at Ryan Gigg's place on the outskirts of Manchester ... then go for a round of golf at the local course.

Power in numbers: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes welcomed their pals Victoria and David Beckham to Los Angeles. Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith also helped organise the event

Daily Mail Headline, 'Hollywood's A-list turn out for Beckham party' says: ' David and Victoria Beckham enjoyed the full Hollywood treatment at a star-studded party to welcome them to Los Angeles. Film stars Tom Cruise and Will Smith hosted the exclusive event at the Museum of Contemporary Art's Geffen Contemporary where Tinseltown's biggest stars gathered to greet the two newest celebrities on the block.'

LA Feels Like Our Home

Victoria Beckham says Los Angeles already feels like home after just one week there — and she and hubby David may never leave. She much prefers the life in America, with David and their three boys.Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Victoria, 33, said: “We’ve loved every minute so far. I can’t see us going back.” She opened her heart on life away from Britain and Spain as Becks prepared for new team LA Galaxy’s game against Chelsea today — although his own debut was in doubt due to an injury. Victoria said David, 33, was not bothered about swapping Real Madrid for Galaxy, a team branded no better than a pub side. And sons Brooklyn, eight, Romeo, four, and Cruz, two, are thrilled with their new home.

She went on: “I already feel so much happier being in Los Angeles. This feels like a whole new start for us as a family. We can leave the negative stuff from Spain behind. The four years there weren’t always easy.In Spain we didn’t have much of a social life, whereas here we have got loads of friends and it just feels right. No one ever really came to visit us in Madrid, whereas everyone seems to want to come out here to see us.I was really nervous about David seeing the new house for the first time, but he loves it and so do the kids.“David has no regrets. He’s got a whole new challenge here in LA and that’s what drives him. The decision to move here was very much about what would be good for the family and the boys have been so excited about it." (The Sun)

Video: Becks Makes His LA Galaxy Debut ...

Although his new team were beaten 1-0 by the FA Cup holders, Beckham was delighted to launch his much-trumpeted American adventure. "It was very emotional," the former England captain told reporters after 12 minutes of action that featured a few deft touches, a tumble as he tried to evade a tackle by Chelsea's Steve Sidwell and a late corner kick.

Signed by the Galaxy from Real Madrid on a £16million five-year deal, Beckham did not appear on the pitch when his Galaxy team mates initially appeared for their pre-match warmup, delaying his arrival until both teams had run out of the tunnel shortly before kickoff.

The England midfielder finally went on for his new team LA Galaxy as a subsitute in the 78th minute. Beckham, who has been struggling to recover from an injury to his left ankle, was cheered loudly by the 27,000 LA Galaxy fans as he ran on to the pitch.

Becks Makes A Brief LA Galaxy Debut

David Beckham has made his long-awaited debut for LA Galaxy - though it lasted only a matter of minutes. The former England captain didn't come on to the pitch against Chelsea until the 78th minute. He was cheered loudly by the capacity crowd of 27,000 at the Home Depot Centre as he ran on in place of striker Alan Gordon. Although his new team were beaten 1-0 by the FA Cup holders, Beckham said he was delighted to play a late role in front of a packed stadium.

"It's incredible, that is what we want to achieve," he said. "The atmosphere, the full stadium, it's great. It is a great day for the club and it is great to have a club like Chelsea out here."

His wife Victoria watched the action from a corporate suite accompanied by her actress friend Katie Holmes, wife of Tom Cruise. (Sky News)

Scathing reviews for Posh Spice special

Victoria Beckham got an unpleasant welcome in America yesterday - with scathing reviews of her TV special. Posh had a TV crew following her for her big move to the U.S. to set up home for husband David's record-breaking transfer to the L.A. Galaxy team. The reality TV deal has already been squeezed into a one-hour special, rather than a series. And now the reviews for "Victoria Beckham: Coming To America" are in - and they are not pleasant.

New York Post reviewer Linda Stasi, giving the show "no stars", called "an orgy of self-indulgence so out of whack with reality that you'll sit there slack-jawed at the gall of these people who think we are that stupid". And she added: "If this weren't a one-shot deal and people were exposed to her vapid, condescending behavior on a weekly basis, she'd not just be unwelcome in America, she'd be run out on a rail - whatever that means. (Yahoo Xtra News)

LA fans greet The Beckles

Beckham-mania hit America yesterday as David and Victoria swept into LA amid amazing scenes echoing the Sixties arrival of The Beatles. Becks, hailed “the saviour of US soccer” BEFORE kicking a ball, was greeted with his wife by the largest US airport crowd to welcome a star in decades.

The pair brought Los Angeles International airport to a standstill as they arrived in their new home country. Five thousand ecstatic fans turned out to greet him — many chanting “There’s only one David Beckham” as he stepped out in a sleek silver suit. But Becks, who signed from former club Real Madrid, stumbled over his words as he addressed the crowd, forgetting Americans call football “soccer”. Showing off his No 23 shirt, he said: “For me the most important thing is my family.“The second thing is the foot . . . is the soccer. I will get used to that at some point, I’m sorry.” (The Sun)